God's Not Dead.!

This past weekend my sister and I went to go see the sequel to God's Not Dead. (If you have not seen this movie I highly recommend you watch it). The movie was about a Christian teacher who had to go to court and was about to lose her job and teaching credential for answering a question about Jesus in her history class. There were two main themes in the movie:

Silence is the enemy of Truth. 

 At first I thought this movie was a bit far fetched in the sense that really? People were literally scared to say the name Jesus, they were disgusted just at the sound of it. But as I continued watching I realized that this is where our society is heading. People don't want Jesus to be part of their lives. They don't want to acknowledge his existence whatsoever. My favorite part of this movie was the use of Lee Strobel and J Warner Wallace as witnesses during the trial. They are both authors of the books The Case for Christ and Cold Case Christianity, Both men were once atheists but after looking at the evidence, the undeniable evidence they realized there was no denying that Jesus was real. Jesus is real. We need to make a choice and choose where we stand. As Grace in the movie said, "I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God". A day is coming where we will give account to God for all of our actions. Did we deny His existence or did we stand up for Him? As Christians we need to get ready because there is a war in front of us. This is the battle mentioned in Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

Silence is the enemy of Truth. I will make Jesus known. 

God is good all the time.

Despite the stress and frustrations of the trial we are able to see God's faithfulness. God is with her through it all. Grace is suspended from teaching and she can't talk to her students but they come and sing with candles at her door. This specifically spoke to my life since my family is currently undergoing stressful court hearings. Over the past few months we've been trying to get conservatorship of my sister but we've found it challenging due to a doctor who has been against us. This doctor made claims to the court that we were inadequate guardians for my sister and prefers a third party to intervene. It's been a lot of going back and forth but we know that God is in control. Back to the movie, God turned this trial into a victory. What seemed could harm her and take everything from her... God turned it all around. Grace's student who asked the question, accepted Jesus as Her Savior and this trial was an opportunity to let the jury and those in the audience hear about Jesus. Praise God!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good. 

I've been part of the music ministry for about 3 or 4 years now. I have always loved worshiping God through music but due to some comments way back when I held back from actually joining this ministry. It's a powerful ministry with a lot of responsibility. When I finally joined and began singing with the team I would sometimes imagine myself having the opportunity to lead one day. I imagined knowing at least a week in advance and practicing during the week. I thought to myself what a privilege to stand before the congregation and lead the service. What would I say? What would I do? Imagine standing up there with such authority declaring the Word of God and leading His people into His presence. So many thoughts and ideas running through my head but I always told myself I'm not ready, I still have a lot to learn. It still was a dream of mine to lead but I didn't feel I was at that level yet. I began dismissing that dream and figured it just wasn't for me.

Over the past few months, we had some changes and I had the opportunity to start the service with a Bible verse and welcoming the church. I also got to semi "lead" speaking in between songs all while standing with the team by the microphones. I enjoyed it but some days I was nervous and I started wondering once again what it would be like to actually lead the service. But again I didn't think I was the right person to do so. I didn't think it was for me.

Then we came upon today, March 6th 2016, a rainy rainy morning. Driving to church this morning I didn't think I was gonna make it. I was having some car trouble in the rain and I didn't think I would arrive to church. My car was jerking and swerving and it was just a big mess but thankfully I made it safe and sound to church. Upon arriving, we were told somebody else had to lead the service because of some unforeseen circumstances. After going back and forth on who should do it I decided to go for it.... It was only going to be for one service anyways. One service turned to two and bam! what do you know, I'm standing before a full church on Friendship Day. I was nervous just thinking I had to lead in front of so many people but once that microphone was in my hand everything changed. I forgot I was nervous and I felt such liberty to worship God. It wasn't me who was leading the service anymore. It went by so smoothly and so fast and I thank God for such an opportunity. It didn't happen the way I expected it, the way I dreamed it would be like.... It didn't happen in my timing but in His! Glory to God! I am honored and humbled by such an opportunity.

Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all day long. - Psalm 35:28

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! - Psalms 100:4

#goals

Back in July 2015, my family and I downloaded a pedometer app. It started as a simple competition between our family to see who could get more steps day by day. Soon my family got over it but it opened my eyes to how little physical activity I do in a day. I started challenging myself and pushing myself to get better. For those of you who are close enough to me you probably have seen me pacing, phone in hand trying to get one more step in. Some look at me like I have a bathroom emergency and others may stare at me like I'm weird walking around in circles at times but I have definitely learned to be persistent.
 My family and I have stopped competing but I continued. It's amazing how much you can accomplish if you JUST SET YOUR MIND TO IT. I know it's sooo cliche but I have found it to be very true. I look back at my stats and I am amazed at the results. Some days my phone will be at 1% and I will somehow barely manage to make it through. Or it might be 11:45pm and I only have a little bit of time before a new day begins but somehow I manage to get my steps.

 Starting in October, I made goals to walk at least 10,000 steps. For someone who is comfortable laying on the couch all day it's hard to get up and get walking. Some days I see my pedometer and I'm discouraged. I don't want to, I'm too tired, there's so many more steps and the time is short. So many excuses, so many reasons not to go on. So many reasons to throw in the towel and give up but I'm so thankful for the encouragement of my parents and friends. Though I look crazy pacing back and forth and walking in circles, you just accept it. Thanks to my dad who will go walking at 11pm even if he's tired just so I can reach my silly goals. Though this is something small, I'm encouraged to see that my parents support me and they're there for me even when I seem crazy.
As for myself, this has become a learning experience. My steps have increased throughout the months and I'm constantly pushing myself to do more. In December I managed to break records with 352,944 steps but even better is that this month, February 2016, the shortest month of the year, I broke my record once again. As of right now (and the day isn't over) I'm at 364,781 steps this month. Yes, I have weak days where I give in and don't make my goal but the important thing is to get back at it. I can be hard on myself and failure is discouraging but to see me reach my goals when it seemed impossible is such a rewarding feeling. I know if I am persistent enough and don't give up I CAN reach my goals. I'm currently on a stage where I feel like I'm not going anywhere and all hope is lost but it's little victories like these that keep me going and I know I can get back up.

Who knew,  life lessons from a pedometer app...

Friendships

It's that time of the year again where roses are over priced and so are chocolates! hahaha just kidding. It's the time when lovers are up in the sky and those of singles, well we're just here hahah.. No, of course not. In Spanish it's called El Dia Del Amor y La Amistad, emphasis on Amistad, Friendship. Today we celebrate friendships as well. It's not just about the lovers and getting roses and chocolates and huge teddy bears but it's also a time to celebrate and be thankful for the friendships around us. It's time to be thankful for those individuals that have stuck around and that keep us company when we need them most.

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

I've been thinking about friendships a lot lately. I was the type of person who would tell myself I don't really have friends. I talk to people and I get along with them but at a surface level. There wasn't a single person that came to mind when I thought "best friend". I would dwell on this and be like whatever, it's okay. Then one day I was riding a taxi with some people I know and they started talking with the taxi driver. Their conversation was about friendship. He said to the taxi driver, "I consider you my friend. I have a lot of friends everywhere. Will you be my friend?" Though the conversation wasn't with me, it spoke to me. I have to stop declaring that I don't have any friends. I have to be the friend I want others to be. If others don't consider me a friend, I can still be a friend to people. I need to stop backing out before even allowing others to be friends. 

Not all friends are meant to stay forever. There are seasons in our lives and some are here for a short period. Yes, sometimes those we wanted to stay for the long run will walk out but it's okay. You will be okay! Either way, we need to open ourselves to the opportunity of making friends. I'm guilty of being skeptical but that's not right. Especially as children of God, we should be good friends. If others don't want to be friendly, don't let that bother you. You be a friend. Jesus was a friend to all. 

 I've noticed that a lot of people struggle with this too. People get comfortable with a certain group of people and then they have trouble adjusting when they are with others. Or they feel out of sorts and lonely when they aren't with their "main". Sometimes it feels like we are the only ones feeling lonely and friendless but we all feel that way at one time or another. By talking to people I've noticed that I'm not the only one. We just need to reach out to people and start talking. Consider people your friends instead of automatically checking yourself out. Be the friend you want others to be. Trust me, when you start doing this, your attitude will change, and a brighter day will begin. And lately, I have noticed I am blessed with some very special people in my life that I call friends. Thank you, I appreciate you today and everyday!

Happy Valentine's Day

Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

My latest adventure took place right across the border in Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Honestly, I don't have the words to describe my experience in a neat paragraph so we'll approach it picture by picture. This adventure was unique in the sense that it wasn't all about the vacation and hitting all the touristy places (I only went to 1) but it was more of a business trip in which I tagged along with a lovely couple whom I consider family, love them!

We learned all about the "selfie stick" on this trip. This was amazing cause well parents are parents and watching them learn about new technology is always a joy :D

Power couple right here. It was a delight to see them light up as they met up with old friends and family. To see them walking around their hometown and showing me where they met. At times I felt like a third wheel cause these two are also a very cute pair of lovebirds <3

They also love the Lord wholeheartedly and they are an amazing example, an inspiration to continue serving. Brother Juan was always talking to people about Jesus whether it be the taxi driver or the person shining his shoes or the person cleaning the park. He never lost an opportunity. Even though he would be directing himself to other people he was also ministering to me. It was an honor to witness him doing what he loves. Made me reflect too... what are we waiting for? Why do we lose so much time thinking whether or not to mention that there is someone who loves us, who died for us, who wants to spend eternity with us... we just need to accept Him and believe. Jesus is real, he's alive today!

FOOD:

Gahhh I love Mexican food!! Forget dieting or limiting food intake in Mexico... I ate like I'd never seen food before hahaha. First of all, I love Mexican hot dogs because of the bacon and tomato. I realized I love tomato flavored anything. (Hence the Entomatadas pictured on the bottom left).  Enchiladas Potosinas (Enchiladas from San Luis Potosi) were the smallest yet most delicious thing ever and combined with Tamborsitos, oh man, I was feasting. Every day I was full beyond words but I couldn't help myself. Lastly, we had the famous Migadas del Guero. We had them for breakfast a good five times at least haha. And of course there's also all the street food and chucherias. I was eating churrumais on a daily basis and Danoninos. I don't know why but yogurt tastes better in Mexico. I refused to weigh myself when I got back but I definitely saw my cheeks expanded :( But hey, fresh tortillas every day and you can never just have one taco de queso or fresh pan dulce. There was just so much goodness you couldn't say no.!

I even took some lessons in the kitchen 

La Media Luna:

We got lucky to go on a sunny day! It was perfect to go in the water with the fishies. Every day was freezing and cloudy so the fact that we got a wonderful sunny day was amazing! It was cold after I got out of the water though... Totally worth it! It was a beautiful place and the water was nice and warm. We weren't there very long but I enjoyed every minute. It's currently not tourist season so it was empty which was even better. And if you didn't know, the reason it's a tourist place is because the water is born there. There's six holes at the bottom of the lake and you can actually go diving down there. 

FRIENDS:

I spent a lot of time at home too and I became good friends with Malena. She worked there and so we spent a lot of time together. She introduced me to the yummy Entomatadas and I went shopping for groceries on a couple occasions with her. Though our time was short we definitely had some memorable moments and good conversations. Miss her!

While I was here, my grandfather was really sick. This isn't my grandpa but I loved on him as if he were. Such a cute fellow. He saw me as a stranger and wouldn't smile at me but by the end of my stay I managed to gain his acceptance and a SMILE! I felt quite accomplished. It's true what they say that we become like children once again as we age. He was sneaky, trying to sneak out of the house and go for a walk. But at his age, 98, he can't be out alone anymore. Glad I met Don Alberto :)

At the end of the day, this is Mexico. Some things are done the old school way. ^ Pesos are losing value and people live in extreme poverty. I was talking with someone who told me that their loved one earned 120 pesos a day!! That's not even $10. Crime is on the rise and I was super paranoid. I was fine until the taxi driver was telling us some girls got stabbed while they got robbed a couple blocks away and the newspaper always had some sort of terrible news! Thank you Jesus for your protection! Even though we tried to blend in it was obvious we weren't from around there. My heart broke for all the people asking for money on the streets, children and elderly people, but you can't help everybody. Plus, we were advised not to give them money. We are so so so blessed and fortunate to live in this country! So much to be grateful for! Either way I love visiting the motherland. God Bless Mexico :)

The End.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior


My favorite part of this song. If you just take a moment to meditate on the words, the meaning, the prayer behind it. Wow. It's not about where we want to go, what we want to do but instead asking Jesus to lead us and be willing to follow.

My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am yours and You are mine 💕

November Greetings

November is finally here! I'm so glad that October is finally gone. Don't get me wrong it had it's ups but all of the Halloween buzz drives me crazy. I had a waitress at iHop dressed up and her makeup was too creepy for me. I definitely felt uncomfortable when I got asked at work to decorate for Halloween. I like the pumpkins and falling leaves of fall but none of the skeletons and blood, witches and other creepy things. Ugh. Halloween is one of those holidays that I completely detest. I can't even get myself to tell someone "Happy Halloween" I know a lot of people don't share the same views as me. Sadly, I heard other Christians talking about their costumes and trick or treating and what not and it saddens me that they acknowledge it and are completely okay with it. This year I had the opportunity to go trick or treating for the first time in my life. We had to take the girls from work so I was obligated to go and while we were out there it seemed so innocent. A family environment, happy people, giving candy to strangers butttt.... that's all a mask. The problem is what that day stands for: a satanic celebration and there's many evil spirits out there. But of course, everyone has their convictions. I don't feel comfortable celebrating or acknowledging it so I'm very glad it's in the past now.

As November begins, we finally have colder weather! Yay! Finally starting to feel the cold and we can wear boots now, bring out the hoodies, the fuzzy socks, sweatpants... yesss! I live for comfort clothing hehehe.

^  The picture perfectly describes us Californians.  60 degree weather is enough to bust out our scarves and boots and big jackets. (P.S. it is getting colder than 60 degrees too)

Pre-Thanksgiving humor haha. Pretend to be your girlfriend for a delicious thanksgiving meal? I'm down hahaha. Actually it depends who you are. But some holiday movies have come out showing positive results such as finding your soul mate. (Watch Holiday in Handcuffs) Maybe I'll give it a try this year. I still have a couple weeks to think about it ;) 

Anyways, cheers to November! Let the Christmas music begin xD

P. S. S. I got my bottom braces today. My mouth is in pain!! Wahh it feels so weird. I just want to eat ㅋㅋㅋ